Bucks Zone

Giannis Antetokounmpo misses the game vs. East rivals Boston Celtics

Giannis needs more time to get his hamstring right.

Jonas Panerio

© Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
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Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo sat out his second game in a row, missing the clash against the NBA’s best, the Boston Celtics. Although the Bucks lost 122-199, coach Doc Rivers said the decision to keep the “Greek Freak” on the sidelines wasn’t difficult, as the team has its eyes set on a bigger prize—the playoffs.

Antetokounmpo has been dealing with a sore right hamstring, which caused him to miss last Sunday’s game against the Phoenix Suns. Hamstring issues are tricky and can easily turn into long-term injuries if not properly managed. The Bucks are cautious with their star player, knowing that his health is crucial to their chances of making it deep into the postseason.

Good not great

Rivers revealed that Giannis is feeling “good but not great,” meaning that while the latter is improving, he apparently hasn’t reached full strength yet. And a full-strength Giannis is what Milwaukee needs if they want to make a title run this year.

"He's feeling good, not great," Rivers said.

"Those things are something you don't take a chance on, especially now. It wasn't very hard. Giannis probably would've come if it was up to him, but these are the ones you just have to say no and let him get better."

Have to be smart about getting treatment

Rivers further explained that it was better for Giannis to focus on getting treatment and rehabbing his hamstring. Although winning over the Celtics would have given them a morale boost, playing Antetokounmpo at less than 100 percent would have been foolish.

“You just don't need to travel. It's a one-day trip, you know, the way we looked at it. We left one of our coaches back to work him out. He worked out today. Not hard, but he did some shooting and stuff. It's just a better way of treating it."

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Jonas Panerio
JONAS PANERIO